Representing the Non-Violent Majority

There is a common stereotype that all pro-lifers support radical acts of violence. This simply is not true and we are here to represent the majority of pro-lifers who do not support violence. We firmly believe that violence and abuse have no place in the pro-life movement. The misguided extremists who take part in clinic bombings and abortionist shootings are not supported by mainstream pro-lifers and do not speak for us. Violence is contrary to what the pro-life movement stands for and hurts our cause. The extremists who have embarrassed the movement and damaged its credibility disappoint us.

We challenge those who unfairly perpetuate the stereotype of pro-lifers as violent to recognize that allowing this stereotype to continue benefits no one. It makes the minority of violent radicals believe they have more support for their actions than they truly do, encouraging them in their activities. It stifles constructive dialogue on common ground issues such as lowering the demand for abortion.

We also challenge those who promote/engage in violent activities in the name of "life" to find peaceful means of expressing the pro-life message. We recognize that, as pro-lifers, it is our duty to educate others about abortion with patience and kindness, rather than continuing the cycle of loss and violence that abortion initiates. There are better ways.

Excerpts from a four-part LA Times report on the ways that the media distorts the position of pro-lifers. Reporters often focus on crazed, inarticulate, violence-promoting radicals instead of finding truly representative pro-lifers.